An alleged robber was killed in a "gunfight" between his cohorts and police in Banshkhali upazila of Chittagong early today.

Identity of the deceased could not be confirmed immediately, reports our Chittagong correspondent.

Swapan Kumar, officer-in-charge of Banshkhali Police Station, said a gang of armed robbers entered the house of Belal Master in East Gunagori area breaking the door open around 1:15am.

As the family members tried to resist, the robbers opened fire on them, leaving six of them injured, the OC said. The injured persons including three women were later taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.

Hearing about the robbers, police rushed to the spot immediately and encircled the house of Belal.

Sensing danger, the robbers opened fire on police, prompting them to retaliate, triggering a "gunfight", the OC said.

The "gunfight" left one dead, while other robbers managed flee away, the OC claimed.

Two policemen - Assistant Sub-Inspector Ashraf and Constable Anwar - were also injured in the gun battle.

Later, police recovered the bullet-hit body from the spot and sent it to CMCH for autopsy. They also recovered a light gun and five bullets from the scene. 

Police detained one Md Bashar, 28, for interrogation in connection with the incident.